Rifa Thorpe-Tracy, a coach who works with women in tech and digital industries, discusses her background in tech marketing and project management, and how this opened up doors for mentoring underrepresented women in the field.
Rifa shared her journey from digital project management to founding a thriving women-in-tech network. Her motivation stemmed from a simple yet powerful observation: too many talented women felt unsupported, isolated, and underestimated. By creating spaces where women could connect, mentor each other, and grow, she helped spark a broader cultural shift in the tech world.
Representation, Rifa noted, isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s a business one. Teams that reflect their customer base tend to be more innovative and successful. Yet unconscious biases in hiring, promotion, and everyday interactions still create barriers, especially for women and people of color. Rifa shared how even small details — like a name on a résumé or the phrasing of an email — can carry unintended signals about belonging.
Confidence, too, plays a pivotal role. Rifa spoke openly about imposter syndrome, a feeling that affects even the most successful women. Her advice? Seek out mentors, build authentic networks, and trust in your ability to learn and adapt. Growth is a lifelong process, and it’s fueled by the connections you make and the risks you are willing to take.
The conversation closed with a powerful reminder: we’re all on the planet to grow. Whether you’re just starting out or decades into your career, staying curious, building relationships, and lifting others up isn’t just good for business — it’s essential for creating the future we all want to see.